Sunflower festivals are celebrated during the summer months when all plants, sunflowers and gardens alike, are in full bloom. Can you think of a more cheery theme for a summer festival as the sunflower? The sunflower is a great symbol for unity and peace, love and happiness. Sunflower festivals are generally about being laid back and enjoying life, just as the sunflower is quite laid back as it enjoys the sun while it is crossing the sky. There are many festivals around the world named after the sunflower, and we are listing the 2008 gatherings here on this page for your convenience and enjoyment! If you know of any additional sunflower festivals we have missed, please use our contact form to send info along and we'll get it on this page as fast as we can!
The Altona Sunflower Festival
July 25, 26 and 27, 2008
You are heartily invited to attend one of the most famous and exciting events in southern Manitoba! Altona's own Sunflower Festival has been entertaining residents and visitors alike since 1964. Traditionally held during the last weekend in July, the Festival is as vibrant and colourful as it's big yellow trademark!
The 7th Annual Sunflower Festival
July 4th and 5th, 2008
1380 Durden Rd. Rtledge, GA 30663
2008 Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival
Last year, an international crowd of 25,000 music fans flocked to the 20th anniversary celebration of the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival. If you are a Blues fan, there are over three days of non-stop music for your enjoyment. This year's dates have been announced: August 8th, 9th and 10th, 2008
Ukrainian Sunflower Festival in Warren, Michigan
For a reason unknown to me, the festival was not held last year. Typically a large celebration, with traditional Ukranian food, arts and crafts, it attracts tens of thousands. Perhaps there will be a date in 2008; check the link above to keep track.
Sunflower Fields of Lop Buri, Thailand
1 November - 31 January 2008 - Astounding photos; visit the link above if you are travelling at this time, since more than a million sunflower pilgrims head to central Thailand each year to view the gorgeous fields covered with sunflowers.
Akeno Sunflower Festival
Visitors can take pleasure in viewing a sea of 210,000 sunflowers, enclosed on all sides by the Southern Alps, Mt. Yatsugatake, Mt. Fuji, Mt. Kayagatake, and other mountains in sun-drenched Akeno Town, which gets the longest hours of sunlight in Japan. I can't read Japanese to tell you the exact dates; typically takes place in the months of July and August.
North Dakota Sunflower Festival
Enderlin's largest annual event is an action-packed week-long celebration. Fun contests include the largest sunflower head, best sunflower recipe and Lil' Miss and Lil' Mister Sunflower. I don't see dates yet for 2008, so check the link above to see when they've been published.
Sunflower Festival in Rosenhuben, Switzerland
Running for the past 7 years or so, features dancing and music and this year is scheduled August 22nd and 23rd, 2008. The full website should be active as of March this year so check it out!
If you know of more festivals I am happy to link to them; these are just the ones I have either heard of or that could be readily found. Contact me using the form on my site and we'll get your festival added too!